FARMINGTON, Conn., March 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (Nasdaq:HRZN) (the "Company" or "Horizon"), a leading specialty finance company that provides secured loans to venture capital and private equity backed development-stage companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and clean-tech industries, today announced that it has committed a $2.5 million Venture Loan to Optaros, Inc. ("Optaros"), a digital commerce service provider. The funds will be used to support Optaros's growth as it continues to create engaging customer experiences for clients who want to succeed in the digital commerce environment.

"Horizon is pleased to provide growth capital in support of Optaros's innovative digital commerce services," said Gerald A. Michaud, President of Horizon. "Optaros's unique combination of systems integration expertise and creative talent enable established brands, cutting-edge retailers and other leading corporations to provide their respective customers with a more relevant and compelling digital commerce experience. We look forward to strengthening Optaros's position for future success."

Robert Willms, President and CEO of Optaros, stated, "We are pleased to partner with Horizon as we enter our next phase of growth as a digital commerce service provider. Horizon's ability to provide Optaros with a customized solution to meet our unique funding needs, will allow us to accelerate our long-term growth potential within this growing market. Going forward, we remain committed to building engaging customer experiences across the digital commerce spectrum and expanding our portfolio of successful client projects."

About Horizon Technology Finance

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation is a business development company that provides secured loans to development-stage companies backed by established venture capital and private equity firms within the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and clean-tech industries. The investment objective of Horizon Technology Finance is to maximize total risk-adjusted returns by generating current income from a portfolio of directly originated secured loans as well as capital appreciation from warrants to purchase the equity of portfolio companies. Headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, with a regional office in Walnut Creek, California, the Company is externally managed by its investment advisor, Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC. To learn more, please visit www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com.

About Optaros

Optaros (www.optaros.com) delivers digital commerce services that embrace emerging technologies to create exceptional branded experiences. Optaros provides the technical capabilities of a systems integrations company, the UX and creative design of an interactive agency, and the insights of an expert commerce consultancy. Our expertise spans the full commerce ecosystem, from customer-facing experiences to integrations with enterprise back-office applications. Founded in 2004, Optaros has served over 200 clients including Wal-Mart, Macy's, McKesson, Rue La La and PUMA.

CONTACT: Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

         Christopher M. Mathieu

         Chief Financial Officer

         (860) 676-8653

         chris@horizontechfinance.com



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         The IGB Group

         Leon Berman / Michael Cimini

         (212) 477-8438 / (212) 477-8261

         lberman@igbir.com  / mcimini@igbir.com

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